By Emmanuel Nyatsikor
Adaklu Waya (V/R), Oct. 12, GNA – Madam Erica Darko, the Adaklu District Girls Education Officer, on Monday stated that girl child marriage remains a serious threat to girls’ growth and development
This is because it deprives many girls of their childhood, education, freedom and opportunities to build a better future.
“When a girl is forced or pressurised into marriage before the age of 18 years, her education is often disrupted, her dreams may be abandoned and her ability to make decisions about her own life may be severely limited,” she said.
Madam Darko stated this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) as part of the celebration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The celebration was on the theme: “End Child Marriage, Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
The Day which is celebrated on October 11 every year was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 (Resolution 66/170).
It is aimed at raising awareness about gender inequality, education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care and protection from violence and child marriage.
The Girls Education Officer noted that every girl child has potential, strength, intelligence and achievements, and that child marriage could expose girls to early pregnancy, health complications, emotional distress, domestic violence and economic dependence.
“It can also perpetuate poverty from one generation to another,” she noted.
Madam Darko said child marriage could also result in girls carrying responsibilities for which they were not physically, emotionally or economically prepared for.
She asked: “What future are we building for our girls if we allow them to become wives and mothers before they have had the opportunity to complete their education to develop their potential.
“A girl is not a burden to be transferred through marriage; she is a human being with rights, dreams, talents and the potential to contribute meaningfully to society.”
Madam Darko reminded parents and guardians that child marriage did not only truncate the freedom and development of the girl child but also the development of the family and community.
She said education was one of the most powerful tools for protecting girls and empowering them to shape their own future.
The Girl Education Officer reminded parents that when they invested in the education of their girls they were investing in their confidence, knowledge, independence and the ability to make informed decisions.
“Girls who have quality education are better equipped to understand their rights, identify harmful practices, access opportunities and contribute to the development of their families and communities.
“They also have a better chance of securing meaningful employment, participating in leadership roles, improving their livelihoods and helping to break the poverty cycle in their families,” she noted.
Madam Darko therefore said the education of the girl child should not be toyed with; it should be accessible, safe, inclusive and supportive adding that no girl should be prevented from accessing quality education.
She named harmful cultural practices, disability, discrimination, sexual harassment, domestic responsibilities, teenage pregnancy and poverty that obstructed girls’ education.
Madam Darko said the Day should be a reminder to all stakeholders of their collective responsibilities to protect girls from all harmful practices, particularly child marriage and ensured that every girl child has the opportunity to learn, grow, thrive and achieve her full potential.
She stated that the theme also called for urgent action from stakeholders including civil society organizations, NGOs, traditional and religious leaders, parents, Assembly members and government to move beyond words and took practical steps to protect the rights and future of the girl child.
“Let us work together to create an environment in which every girl child can enroll in school and successfully complete it at the highest level,” she noted.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah